Our Ministries
6 Oct

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Setting Everyone Free

Many of you know that one of my most rewarding ministry experiences at St. Francis of Assisi is to accompany persons who are Becoming Catholic, otherwise known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). In many ways, ALL of us are Becoming Catholic—it is a process of lifelong learning and practice. This is what I hear when sponsors are invited to journey with other faith seekers. Many sponsors tell the team that being a sponsor is a mutual journey of continuous learning about how God is working in our lives. They often attest to receiving even more than they give in this role.

Team RCIA, a resource for all involved in this ministry (yes the whole parish!), provides this reflection for this Sunday that guides all of us in reflecting on what it means to ask for and find healing. Our celebration of our patron saint, Francis of Assisi, continues with his emphasis on instruments of God’s peace.

Background: On his journey Jesus has almost reached Judaea. Today he meets ten lepers who were literally cast out of their communities and had to live in isolation. “Good” Jews also regarded Samaritans as religious scum. The central character in this Sunday’s gospel is thus doubly handicapped. And just as in last Sunday’s gospel about the “profitless servants,” so again it is the person who goes beyond the requirements of the Law, beyond the basics of our life together, whom Jesus proclaims as the one who has found not just physical healing but salvation.

Discussion Questions

    1. When have you experienced physical, mental, or emotional healing? Who was God’s instrument in setting you free?
    2. How did you show your gratitude? Looking back, would you do anything differently?
    3. Avoiding the risk of being self-righteous, for whom in your life might you be God’s instrument of healing?
    4. How can you bring healing to your world by standing up for people who are being stereotyped—and thereby set everybody free?

Practice: Each day this week, pray St. Francis’s prayer, “Lord, make me a channel of your peace.”

Welcome to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church